Big blow to Aussie attack as key names missing from Champions Trophy squad

Posted by author February 12, 2025 Cricket

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Australia has named its final 15-player squad for this month’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with Mitchell Starc omitted in a further blow to an already-decimated pace attack.

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Cricket Australia said in a statement that Starc is unavailable due to personal reasons, joining Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines for the tournament, which begins next Wednesday with New Zealand facing off against Pakistan.

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of men’s selectors George Bailey said.

“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.

“His well documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded.

“His loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”

Starc will also not be available for the two-game ODI Series in Sri Lanka. Cricket Australia said Starc had asked for privacy and would not be making any comment.

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Both Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis, who were added to the one-day squad which plays Sri Lanka in the first of two matches on Wednesday, have also been included in the final Campions Trophy squad as a result.

Of course, Starc’s omission is just the latest of several changes to the original squad that was named for the 50-over tournament.

Cummins and Hazlewood were ruled out last week as the pair manage “some ongoing injuries”, while Marcus Stoinis also announced his immediate retirement from ODI cricket.

Mitchell Marsh was also ruled out late last month with “ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction”, prompting Ricky Ponting to call for Big Bash final hero Mitch Owen to be parachuted into the squad.

Ultimately, Australia opted for the more logical, like-for-like replacement in Aaron Hardie.

“The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis,” Bailey said.

“The upside of that is that we have been able to call on players who have had international exposure and success over the past 12 months.

“A strong core of some our most experienced players will provide a strong foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy.

“We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”

Final Australia Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy

Steve Smith (NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club) (c)

Sean Abbott (NSW/Parramatta District Cricket Club)

Alex Carey (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)

Ben Dwarshuis (NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club)

Nathan Ellis (TAS/Lindisfarne Cricket Club)

Jake Fraser-McGurk (SA/ West Torrens Cricket Club)